MSM may improve signs of aging, says recent study

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A study recently published in the International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research¹ found that supplementation with a branded methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) from Bergstrom Nutrition (Vancouver, WA), called OptiMSM, supported the appearance of skin. The study was conducted in two phases, a pilot study, and a dose response study. In the pilot study, 20 participants were given either 3 g of MSM per day or placebo for 16 weeks. Visual and subject self-analysis of wrinkles and skin texture was used to assess signs of aging. In the dose-response study, 63 subjects were given either 1 g of 3 g of MSM per day for 16 weeks. Expert clinical grading and instrumental measurements, and consumer perception were used to evaluate skin condition.

Results showed that following the pilot study, subjects experienced significant reduction in facial wrinkles and skin roughness, compared to placebo. Following the dose response study, instrumentation showed that supplementation significantly reduced the severity of wrinkles, improved skin firmness, elasticity, and hydration. Measures such as skin elasticity and hydration showed better response from subjects taking the higher dose, but the lower 1 g dose was found to be effective across the board.

“This research was very fascinating to me because the bulk of my experience has been in topical skincare solutions,” said the study’s co-author Neelam Muizzuddin, PhD, in a press release. “Examining the ‘beauty-from-within’ approach has me converted to believing it is a better way of improving beauty because it helps improve the whole body. You fall short by focusing on topicals, as they only address the skin.”

“What surprised me about the results was how effective the product was in reducing wrinkles, which is the most important element because everyone is so concerned about them,” added Muizzuddin.
 

References:

1. Muizzuddin N et al. “Beauty from within: Oral administration of a sulfur-containing supplement methylsulfonylmethane improves signs of skin ageing.” International Journal of Vitamin and Nutrition Research, Published online ahead of print on February 21, 2020